Individually packaged sanitary napkin having cleaning wipe packaged therewith

ABSTRACT

An individually packaged sanitary napkin having a cleansing wipe packaged therewith. The individually packaged sanitary napkin includes a wrapper that covers the sanitary napkin&#39;s adhesive fastener prior to use. The sanitary napkin wrapper can be provided with a flap or pouch for securing the used sanitary napkin for disposal. A number of alternative arrangements are disclosed for packaging the cleansing wipe with the wrapped sanitary napkin.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/346,985,filed on Nov. 30, 1994, now abandoned; which application is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 07/874,871, filed on Apr. 28, 1992,now abandoned; which application is a continuation-in part ofapplication Ser. No. 07/795,932, filed on Nov. 15, 1991, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,484,636; which application is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 07/533,614, filed on Jun. 5, 1990, now pending asapplication Ser. No. 08/459,372, filed on Jun. 2, 1995.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to individually packaged sanitary napkins andmore particularly to individually packaged sanitary napkins having acleansing wipe packaged therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sanitary napkins used to collect vaginal discharges are well known inthe art. Individually packaged sanitary napkins are also known.

Individually packaged sanitary napkins are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.3,035,578 issued to Elmore on May 22, 1962; U.S. Pat. No. 3,604,423,issued Sep. 14, 1971 to Fraser, U.S. Pat. No. 3,973,567, issued toSrinivasan, et al. on Aug. 10, 1976; U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,146, issuedDec. 3, 1985, to Swanson et al. International Publication WO 89/02728published Apr. 6, 1989 in the name of Froidh et al.; U.S. Pat. No.4,917,675, issued to Taylor, et al. on Apr. 17, 1990; European PatentApplication Publication No. 0357000 A1 published in the name of UmeshGaur on Mar. 7, 1990; and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,993, issued to Gaur onFeb. 18, 1992.

Discarding used sanitary napkins enveloped in the packaging is taught inthe art. For example, International Publication WO 89/02729 publishedApr. 6, 1989 in the name of Pigneul and U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,047, issuedAug. 26, 1986 to Mattingly disclose two packaging arrangements that canbe used for this purpose.

Packaging cleansing wipes with sanitary napkins, or absorbent articlesof different types is also known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,678,issued to Paulis on Apr. 19, 1988 discloses packaging a cleansing sheetwith a disposable diaper. The above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,675issued to Taylor, et al. discloses, but does not illustrate one sanitarynapkin packaging arrangement. As a result of the lack of anillustration, however, it is not clear what type of packagingarrangement is described in the Taylor, et al. patent.

The search for improved individual package configurations for sanitarynapkins has, therefore, continued.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide anindividually packaged sanitary napkin. It is further an object of thisinvention to provide individually packaged sanitary napkin withpackaging that protects the exposed adhesive on the napkin prior to thefirst use by the wearer. It is also an object of this invention toprovide an individually packaged sanitary napkin having a cleansing wipepackaged therewith. It is also an object of this invention to provide anindividually packaged sanitary napkin having packaging which may be usedfor disposal of a used product. Finally, it is an object of thisinvention to provide improved closure mechanisms for maintaining thepackage in a closed configuration for disposal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an individually packaged sanitary napkinhaving two longitudinal and two end edges. The sanitary napkin has aliquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet having opposedinwardly and outwardly oriented faces joined to the topsheet, anadhesive patch on the outwardly oriented face of the backsheet and anabsorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

The individually packaged sanitary napkin may, in at least oneembodiment, comprise a releasable wrapper releasably affixed to theadhesive patch on the outwardly oriented face of said backsheet. In atleast one such embodiment, the wrapper is folded about at least twotransverse axes to define a package body and a package flap. Thereleasable wrapper is provided with a flap or pouch at one end. The flaphas sides that are sealed. At least one of the sides is sealed with anopenable seal. The individually packaged sanitary napkin has aliquid-containing cleansing wipe associated therewith. In the aboveembodiment, the cleansing wipe may be positioned inside the flap. Theflap or pouch may also be used in the disposal of a used sanitarynapkin. The sanitary napkin wrapper can be provided with a tape tab forsecuring the wrapper around the sanitary napkin prior to use and/or fordisposal of a used sanitary napkin.

In other embodiments, the cleansing wipe is placed in a separatereceptacle that is associated with the releasable wrapper that forms thesanitary napkin package. In a variation of this embodiment, thereceptacle can be large enough to cover the adhesive patch and serve asa release paper for the adhesive patch. In other embodiments, thecleansing wipe may be laminated between the releasable wrapper and afilm. In still other embodiments, the sanitary napkin may be providedwith a release paper strip, folded, and placed in a package having apackage body and a package flap. In this latter embodiment, thecleansing wipe can be placed in a pouch located on the package or in aseparate receptacle associated with the package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed theinvention will be better understood from the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view (with a portion of the napkin and wrapper cutaway) of a flapped sanitary napkin and releasable wrapper, according tothe present invention, and showing a different adhesive configuration ateach longitudinal edge of the releasable wrapper.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines 2--2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wrapper and a sanitary napkin in apartially trifolded configuration.

FIG. 4 is the sanitary napkin and wrapper according to FIG. 3 shown in afully trifolded configuration.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a preferred adhesive tab construction.

FIGS. 4B-4G are side views of some alternatively preferred adhesivetabs.

FIG. 5 is a profile vertical elevational view of a variant embodimenthaving the releasable wrapper folded over one lateral side margin of thesanitary napkin.

FIG. 6 is an endwise vertical elevational view of a releasable wrapperwhich encases both faces of the flaps of the sanitary napkin of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an endwise vertical elevational view of a sanitary napkinhaving one flap folded over the topsheet, one flap folded over thebacksheet, and a releasable wrapper which C-folds both faces of one flapand both longitudinal side margins.

FIG. 8 is an endwise vertical elevational view of a sanitary napkinhaving one flap folded over the topsheet, one flap folded over thebacksheet, and a releasable wrapper which encases both faces of one flapand resembles an e-fold.

FIG. 9 is an endwise vertical elevational view of a sanitary napkinhaving one flap folded over the topsheet, one flap folded over thebacksheet, with one flap being inside the releasable wrapper and oneflap being outside the releasable wrapper.

FIGS. 10-12 are perspective views of the sanitary napkin similar to FIG.3 which show possible locations for a flap (or pouch) feature on thereleasable wrapper.

FIGS. 12A and B are profile schematic sectional views which showadditional possible locatings for a flap (or pouch) containing acleansing wipe.

FIG. 13 is a simplified perspective view of a particularly preferredreleasable wrapper for packaging a cleansing wipe.

FIGS. 13A-E are plan views showing the folding of a variation of theembodiment shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 13F is a side sectional view of the folded package shown in FIG.13D.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are profile schematic sectional views which showalternative placements for an individually packaged wipe.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view similar to FIGS. 14 and 15 which shows analternative sanitary napkin wrapper having a cleansing wipe adjacent aface of the wrapper.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are a disassembled perspective view and a cross-sectionview of another sanitary napkin wrapper for packaging a cleansing wipe.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a package for a sanitary napkin thathas a flap (or pouch) located thereon in which a cleansing wipe may beplaced.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective (with portions cut away) and endsectional views of a tampon package containing a cleansing wipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an individually packaged, absorbentarticle, such as a sanitary napkin, and more particularly to anindividually packaged sanitary napkin having a cleansing wipe packagedtherewith.

FIG. 1 shows in conjunction with one form of package a sanitary napkindesignated 20. The sanitary napkin 20 is used to collect vaginaldischarges, such as menses, and to prevent soiling of the wearer'sclothing by such discharges. The sanitary napkin 20 has a body-facingside or face 20a and an opposed garment-facing side or face 20b (shownin FIG. 2). The sanitary napkin 20 features a liquid pervious topsheet22, a liquid impervious backsheet 24, and an absorbent core 26intermediate the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24. The perimeter of thecentral portion of the sanitary napkin 20 is defined by the twolongitudinal side margins (or "side edges") 30 and two lateral sidemargins (or "end edges" or "ends") 32.

If desired, the sanitary napkin 20 may further comprise at least oneflap 28 extending from a longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitarynapkin 20, and preferably two symmetrically opposite flaps 28, oneextending from each longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin20.

The sanitary napkin 20 is superimposed on a releasable wrapper (or"release paper wrap") 34. (The releasable wrapper need not be paper,however.) The releasable wrapper 34 underlays and is releasably affixedto the outwardly oriented face of the backsheet 24. As used herein,"releasably affixed" refers to the condition of two or more componentswhich may be attached and separated without destruction of or unduedistortion to either component. In the embodiment shown, the releasablewrapper 34 is slightly larger than the central portion of the sanitarynapkin 20 as it is defined by the longitudinal and lateral side margins30 and 32.

Associated with the sanitary napkin 20 and each flap 28 is a means 40for attaching the sanitary napkin 20 to the undergarment of a wearer.FIG. 2 shows that the central portion of the sanitary napkin 20laterally intermediate the flaps 28 has adhesive 40a associated with theportion of the sanitary napkin 20 which contacts the undergarment of thewearer. Each flap 28 may also have its own adhesive patch 40b associatedwith the face of the flap 28 which contacts the undergarment of thewearer. Preferably such adhesives 40a and 40b are joined to theoutwardly oriented face of the backsheet 24.

The releasable wrapper 34 contacts the adhesive 40a of the centralportion of the backsheet 24, and if desired, the adhesive 40b of theflaps 28, to prevent contamination of such adhesive 40 prior to firstuse by the wearer. Also, the releasable wrapper 34 prevents the exposedadhesive 40a from sticking to other parts of the sanitary napkin 20 whenthe napkin is inwardly trifolded.

Examining the components of the sanitary napkin 20 in more detail withcontinuing reference to FIG. 1, the sanitary napkin 20 has a generallycentered longitudinal centerline 36. As used herein the term"longitudinal" refers to an imaginary line, axis or direction of thesanitary napkin 20, which line, axis or direction is typically centeredbetween the side margins of the napkin and is generally aligned with thevertical plane which bisects a standing wearer into left and right bodyhalves. The terms "lateral" or "transverse" refer to an imaginary line,axis or direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal direction andwithin the plane of the sanitary napkin 20, which is generally sidewaysaligned relative to the wearer.

The topsheet 22 is the component of the garment which is orientedtowards and contacts the body of the wearer and receives bodilydischarges. The topsheet 22 is liquid pervious and should be flexibleand nonirritating to the skin. As used herein the term "flexible" refersto materials which are compliant and readily conform to the shape of thebody or respond by easily deforming in the presence of external forces.Preferably the topsheet 22 is not noisy, to provide discretion for thewearer. The topsheet 22 should be sanitary, clean in appearance andsomewhat opaque to hide the bodily discharges collected in and absorbedby the core 26.

The topsheet 22 should further exhibit good strikethrough and rewetcharacteristics, permitting bodily discharges to rapidly penetrate thetopsheet 22 to the core 26, but not flow back through the topsheet 22 tothe skin of the wearer. Suitable topsheets 22 may be made from nonwovenmaterials and perforated polyolefinic films.

The topsheet 22 has a plurality of apertures to permit liquids depositedthereon to pass through to the core 26. Such apertures may, but neednot, be present in the flaps 28. An apertured polyolefinic film topsheet22 having about 5 to about 60 percent open area, typically about 25percent open area, and a thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.05millimeters prior to aperturing and about 0.46 to about 0.51 millimetersafter aperturing is suitable.

If desired, the topsheet 22 may be treated with a surfactant to enhancefluid penetration to the core 26. The surfactant is typically nonionicand should be nonirritating to the skin. Suitable methods for treatingthe topsheet with a surfactant are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,264and 5,009,653, issued to Osborn. A suitable surfactant is sold by theGlyco Chemical, Inc. of Greenwich, Conn. as "PEGOSPERSE" 200 ML.

A particularly suitable topsheet 22 may be made in accordance with U.S.Pat. No. 4,342,314, issued Aug. 3, 1982 to Radel et al. and U.S. Pat.No. 4,463,045, issued Jul. 31, 1984 to Ahr et al., which patents areincorporated herein by reference for the purpose of disclosingparticularly preferred executions of liquid pervious topsheets. Atopsheet 22 made of model X-3265 or model P1552 apertured formed filmsold by the Tredegar Film Products, formerly known as Ethyl Corporation,Visqueen Division, of Terre Haute, Ind. has been found to work well.

The backsheet 24 may be any flexible, liquid impervious or liquidresistant material, such as a polyolefinic film. The backsheet 24prevents discharges collected by and contained in the sanitary napkin20, particularly discharges absorbed by the core 26, from escaping thesanitary napkin 20 and soiling the clothing and bedding of the wearer.Preferably the backsheet 24 is not noisy, to provide discretion for thewearer.

The backsheet 24 may also be impervious to malodorous gases generated byabsorbed bodily discharges, so that the malodors do not escape andbecome noticed by the wearer. A low density polyethylene backsheet 24about 0.01 to about 0.05 millimeters in thickness, preferably about 0.02millimeters in thickness, has been found to work well. A polyethylenefilm, such as is sold by Tredegar Film Products under model XP-39385 hasbeen found particularly well suited for this invention.

Further, the backsheet 24 may be made of a soft clothlike material whichis hydrophobic relative to the topsheet 22, e.g., a polyester orpolyolefinic fiber backsheet 24 works well. A particularly preferredsoft, clothlike backsheet 24 material is a laminate of a polyesternonwoven material lamina and an uniaxially elastically extensibleelastomeric film such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,180 issued toWnuk.

In one preferred embodiment, the backsheet 24 is slightly larger thanthe topsheet 22 and the absorbent core 26. In such an embodiment, thetopsheet 22 and intermediate absorbent core 26 may be peripherallycircumscribed by the backsheet 24 which has a radial margin of about 0.5centimeters to about 1.5 centimeters, preferably about 1.0 centimeter,from the side margin of the topsheet 22. This geometry provides amarginal area of protection should the core 26 become overloaded or thesanitary napkin 20 otherwise fail. In such an embodiment the backsheet24 and flaps 28 are preferably unitary and coextensive.

The backsheet 24 and the topsheet 22 are preferentially peripherallyjoined using known techniques, either entirely, so that the entireperimeter of the sanitary napkin 20 is circumscribed by such joining, orare partially peripherally joined. Any arrangement that provides for aunitary assembly and capture of the core 26 intermediate the topsheet 22and backsheet 24 is suitable. Such an assembly has two mutually opposedmajor faces, one defined by the topsheet 22 and one defined by thebacksheet 24.

The outwardly oriented face of the backsheet 24 preferably furthercomprises means 40 for attaching the sanitary napkin 20 to theundergarment of the wearer. Pressure sensitive adhesive 40a has beenfound to work well. Preferably a strip 40a of longitudinally orientedadhesive provides good protection against either the front or the backof the sanitary napkin 20 being detached from the wearer's undergarment.The strip 40a may be continuous or intermittent. A particularlypreferred arrangement utilizes two longitudinally oriented strips 40a,one on each side of the longitudinal centerline 36.

The absorbent core 26 is the means for collecting and containing bodilydischarges, particularly menses, deposited thereon or which otherwisetraverse through the liquid permeable topsheet 22. The core 26 is thecomponent of the sanitary napkin 20 which receives and retains thebodily discharges. The core 26 is conformable and nonirritating to theskin, and preferably relatively thin. The core 26 may be rectangular,hourglass shaped, or any other suitable shape. The core 26 preferablyhas two opposed faces, one oriented towards the backsheet 24 and oneoriented towards the topsheet 22.

Suitable core 26 materials include, but are not limited to combinationsof airfelt, such as cellulose wadding, and fibrated communition pulp;layers of tissue paper; and absorbent gelling materials. If a tissuepaper core 26 is selected, the tissue paper may be made in accordancewith U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,609, issued Mar. 4, 1980 to Trokhan, U.S. Pat.No. 4,529,480, issued to Trokhan on Jul. 16, 1985, and European PatentApplication Publication Nos. WO 92/00414, WO 92/00415, and WO 92/00416,published Jan. 9, 1992.

The core 26 need not have a total absorbent capacity much greater thanthe total amount of bodily discharges to be absorbed. The core 26 ispreferably narrow and thin, to be comfortable to the wearer. For theembodiment described herein the capacity of the core 26 should be atleast about 2 grams of 0.9 percent saline solution. Suitable salinesolution is sold by Travenol Laboratories of Deerfield, Ill.

If it is desired to incorporate absorbent gelling materials into thecore 26 of the sanitary napkin 20, absorbent gelling materials made inaccordance with U.S. Pat. Re. No. 32,649, issued Apr. 19, 1988 to Brandtet al. are suitable. A suitable core 26 comprises a laminate ofabsorbent gelling materials and tissue may be purchased from the GrainProcessing Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa under Model Number L535.

The core 26 should be sized to register with the topsheet 22 andbacksheet 24. The core 26 is preferably interposed between the topsheet22 and backsheet 24 to prevent the absorbent material of the core 26from shredding or becoming detached while the sanitary napkin 20 is wornand to en sure proper containment of bodily discharges. This arrangementalso provides for a unitary assembly.

The core 26 is preferentially joined to the topsheet 22, and may bejoined to the backsheet 24. The term "joined" refers to the conditionwhere a first member or component is affixed, or connected, to a secondmember or component either directly; or indirectly, where the firstmember or component is affixed, or connected, to an intermediate memberor component which in turn is affixed, or connected, to the secondmember or component. The joined relationship between the first member,or component, and the second member, or component, is intended to remainfor the life of the sanitary napkin 20.

Joining may be accomplished by any suitable method, such as adhesivelybonding the core 26 to the topsheet 22 or the backsheet 24. The adhesive(not shown) may be applied in any suitable spray pattern, such as aspiral, or in longitudinally oriented beads. The adhesive should besurfactant resistant and of low pressure sensitivity, so as not to stickto the skin of the wearer.

The sanitary napkin 20 preferably has a caliper of less than about 4millimeters and more preferably less than about 2 millimeters, asmeasured with a comparator gauge having an approximately 80.0 gram testweight and an approximately 10.0 gram comparator foot having a diameterof about 2.54 centimeters and a contact surface area of approximately5.1 square centimeters. Also, the sanitary napkin 20 preferably has atopsheet 22 surface area of at least about 100 square centimeters toprevent discharged fluids from missing the target area.

The sanitary napkin 20 may also comprise a flap 28 extending from alongitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin 20. Preferably, thesanitary napkin 20 has one flap 28 extending from each longitudinal sidemargin 30 of the sanitary napkin 20. The flaps 28 have a proximal end 44which is typically coincident with the juncture of attachment of theflap 28 to the longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin 20.Alternatively, the proximal end 44 of the flap 28 may be joined to thesanitary napkin 20 at another location, e.g., spaced enough from andjuxtaposed with the longitudinal side margin 30.

The flaps 28 extend laterally outwardly from the sanitary napkin 20 andterminate at a distal end 46 which represents the portion of the flaps28 furthest from the longitudinal side margins 30 of the sanitary napkin20. The distal ends 46 of the flaps 28 are directed away from thelongitudinal centerline 36 and central portion of the sanitary napkin20. As used herein the phrase "central portion" refers to that part ofthe sanitary napkin 20 intermediate, particularly laterallyintermediate, and defined by the proximal ends 44 of the flaps 28. Theflaps 28 may be of any shape desired, with one preferred shape beingshown in FIG. 1.

The flaps 28 may be comprised of an integral and contiguous extension ofthe topsheet 22, the backsheet 24, or a laminate of both 22 and 24.Alternatively, the flaps 28 may be made of a separate and independentpiece of material joined to the longitudinal side margins 30 of thesanitary napkin 20. Each flap 28 has one face generally coextensive ofthe topsheet 22 and a mutually opposed face generally coextensive of thebacksheet 24. A face of the flap 28 is considered to be coextensive ofthe topsheet 22 or the backsheet 24 if a line having a lateral componentcan be drawn from the topsheet 22 or the backsheet 24, respectively,which does not cross a portion of the side margins 30 or 32 at theperimeter of the central portion of the sanitary napkin 20, unless suchportion of the side margins 30 or 32 is generally longitudinallyadjacent the proximal end 44 of the flap 28.

The flaps 28 preferably have a means 40 for attaching one face of theflap 28 to the wearer's undergarment or to the other flap 28. Theattachment means 40 may be a mechanical fastener or, preferably,pressure sensitive adhesive 40b. If pressure sensitive adhesive 40b isselected, it should be disposed on the face of the flap 28 generallycoextensive of the backsheet 24 so that when the flaps 28 are wrappedaround the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment, the adhesive 40bwill face the outside of the wearer's undergarment. A generallyrectangular patch of adhesive 40b on each flap 28, about 25millimeters×20 millimeters in size, works well. Suitable pressuresensitive adhesive 40 is sold by the Anchor Continental, Inc., 3 SigmaDivision of Covington, Ohio as 0.02 millimeter pass with CenturyAdhesive A305-4.

For packaging, the flaps 28 are folded over the topsheet 22 so that theflaps 28 are in the topsheet facing relationship of FIG. 2. The flaps 28are considered to be in a topsheet facing relationship if a linegenerally perpendicular to the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 drawnoutwardly from the topsheet 22 intercepts either face of the flap 28.The flaps 28 are preferably folded about the proximal edge 44 so thatmaximum coverage of the topsheet 22 is obtained. This arrangementprovides a larger area of the topsheet 22 covered by the flaps 28,particularly the area of the topsheet 22 which is generally registeredwith the wearer's vagina, so that a sanitary and clean appearance ofthis portion of the topsheet 22 is promoted. It is not necessary thatthe flaps 28 be folded about the proximal ends 44, that the flaps 28 bein contacting relationship with the topsheet 22, or that no other foldsoccur between the distal and proximal ends 44 and 46 of the flaps 28. Itis only necessary that the flaps 28 face towards the topsheet 22 anddiscourage outside contamination from readily soiling the portion of thetopsheet 22 covered by the flaps 28.

Folding the flaps 28 in the configuration of FIG. 2 exposes the patch40b of adhesive on the face of the flaps 28 generally coextensive of thebacksheet 24. To prevent contamination and blocking of this adhesivepatch 40b, each flap 28 may be covered with a separate and dedicatedpiece of release liner 35'.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the flaps28 may be folded over the backsheet 24 or, convolutely folded so thatone flap 28 overlays the topsheet 22 and the other flap 28 overlays thebacksheet 24. All such embodiments are within the spirit and scope ofthe claimed invention.

The releasable wrapper 34 has a perimeter defined by longitudinal edges34c and lateral edges 34d. Preferably, the lateral edges of thereleasable wrapper 34 are juxtaposed with the respective lateral sidemargins 32 of the sanitary napkin 20. This arrangement provides areleasable wrapper 34 having sufficient longitudinal extent to concealand to protect the sanitary napkin 20 in the later described foldedconfigurations.

The wrapper 34 has opposed faces. One face is an inwardly oriented face34a. The inwardly oriented face of the wrapper 34 is oriented towardsthe adhesive 40 and the outwardly oriented face of the backsheet 24. Theother face 34b is an outwardly oriented face. It is opposed to theinwardly oriented face and oriented away from the sanitary napkin 20.

Preferably, the inwardly oriented face is release coated, to facilitateeasy and convenient manipulation of the releasable wrapper 34, andparticularly separation from the adhesive 40. Silicone release coatings,as are well known in the art, have been found to work well. Thereleasable wrapper 34 may be zone coated with the release coating onlyin the areas of the adhesive 40a and 40b, or may be entirely releasecoated throughout the inwardly oriented face as desired.

The releasable wrapper 34 may be made of films, kraft paper, calenderedpaper, or other materials as are well known in the art without departurefrom the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. One suitablereleasable wrapper 34 is made of machine glazed or machine finishedpaper having a basis weight of about 40.7×10⁻³ kilograms per squaremeter (25 pounds per 3,000 square feet). The inwardly oriented face ofthe wrapper may be coated with a release coating such as silicone.Suitable release coated wrapper materials are marketed by Akrosil ofMenasha, Wis. as "SILOX" 4R/O and Silox C1S.

The releasable wrapper 34 may be made of one or more sheets of material.The wrapper 34 may, for instance, comprise a two component arrangementcomprising the wrapper 34 as described herein that is combined with aconventional release strip that covers the adhesive 40a attached to theinwardly oriented face of the wrapper 34. Preferably, however, thereleasable wrapper 34 comprises a single sheet that both covers theadhesive 40a and serves as a package for the sanitary napkin 20.

With continuing reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that in oneembodiment, the releasable wrapper 34 wraps at least one, and preferablyeach, longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin 20 in a C-fold50. As used herein, a "C-fold" refers to the configuration of acomponent which is folded over itself to provide a double thickness andmay have a foreign component interposed between the layers of the foldedcomponent. As illustrated in FIG. 2, it is preferred that the sanitarynapkin 20 and releasable wrapper 34 be equivalently and symmetricallydisposed and folded about the longitudinal centerline 36.

In the C-folded arrangement of FIG. 2, the entire backsheet 24 iscovered by the releasable wrapper 34 and a portion of the topsheet 22juxtaposed with the longitudinal side margins 30 are also covered by thereleasable wrapper 34. As used herein, "releasable" refers to thecondition where a first component may be separated from a secondcomponent at least once without causing destruction or undue distortionof either component.

The illustrated arrangement provides the advantage that one entire majorface, particularly the face associated with the backsheet 24, isprotected by the releasable wrapper 34. The longitudinal side margins 30of the sanitary napkin 20 are likewise protected. Additionally a portionof the topsheet 22 is protected by the releasable wrapper 34. Further,in this arrangement no significant portion of the releasable wrapper 34extends laterally outboard of the sanitary napkin 20, obviating the needfor a bulky package, or a region of the releasable wrapper 34 to bededicated for sealing of the package.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sanitary napkin 20 and releasable wrapper34 may be folded about two spaced-apart laterally oriented fold lines.As used herein, the phrase "spaced-apart laterally oriented fold lines"refers to longitudinally offset lines, generally parallel the lateraldirection, and about which the sanitary napkin 20 and releasable wrapper34 are commonly folded.

Folding the sanitary napkin 20 about the spaced-apart laterally orientedfold lines produces a folded arrangement defining three trisections 51and 52, a central trisection 51 intermediate and bounded by two outboardtrisections 52. The outboard trisections 52 may be more specificallydescribed as an inner-outboard trisection 52a and an outer-outboardtrisection 52b, or more simply as the first and third trisections. Thecentral trisection 51, thus, comprises the second trisection. As usedherein, inner and outer outboard trisections 52 are described relativeto the central trisection 51 when the sanitary napkin 20 and releasablewrapper 34 are in the folded arrangement of FIG. 4. The inner-outboardtrisection 52a is generally adjacent the central trisection 51 andintermediate such central trisection 51 and the outer-outboardtrisection 52b when folded. Conversely, the outer-outboard trisection52b is relatively further from the central trisection 51 due to theinterposition of inner-outboard trisection 52a.

In the folded arrangement of FIG. 4, the package defines two mutuallyopposed major surfaces, one defined by the outer-outboard trisection52b, and one defined by the central trisection 51. The arrangement ofFIG. 4 produces a sanitary napkin 20 having an e-fold with a releasablewrapper 34 having a corresponding e-fold. The releasable wrapper 34 ispreferably of sufficient longitudinal dimension to overlie one outboardtrisection 52 and the central trisection 51. More preferably, thereleasable wrapper 34 is of sufficient longitudinal dimension to overlieall three trisections 51 and 52, so that no adhesive 40a is exposed.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the releasable wrapper 34 may further comprisea means for maintaining the sanitary napkin 20 and releasable wrapper 34in the aforementioned folded arrangement. Suitable means for maintainingthe folded arrangement include hook and loop mechanical fasteners, suchas are sold under the trademark "VELCRO"; heat and/or pressure seals;and, adhesives in the form of tabs, or adhesive 54 juxtaposed with thelongitudinal edge of the releasable wrapper 34.

The adhesive 54 may be placed on the longitudinal edge of the releasablewrapper which is folded over so that it overlays and faces outwardlyfrom the topsheet 22. In one execution, the adhesive 54 may be appliedto the outboard trisections 52 so that when the inner-outboardtrisection 52a is folded over the central trisection 51 such trisections51 and 52a are releasably affixed to each other and adhesive isjuxtaposed with the outer-outboard trisection 52b so that it may bereleasably affixed to the inner-outboard trisection 52a. Alternatively,the adhesive 54 may be applied to the central and outer-outboardtrisections 51 and 52b.

The adhesive 54 may be applied in a continuous strip (as shown), in anintermittent strip, or may be a single spot. It is not critical whichform the adhesive 54 is applied, only that it have sufficient peelstrength to maintain the folded arrangement until it is desired toconveniently open the sanitary napkin 20 and releasable wrapper 34 forthe first use by the wearer.

In one variation, the adhesive 54 may further comprise and be disposedon a tab 55 longitudinally extending beyond the lateral edge of theouter-outboard trisection 52b. The adhesive 54 of the tab 55longitudinally beyond such lateral edge is affixed to the exposed faceof the inner-outboard trisection 52a.

FIG. 4A shows one particularly preferred embodiment of an adhesive tab.The adhesive tab arrangement is referred to as a "tape sandwich". Thetape sandwich comprises an adhesive tab 55 that is provided with acomplementary landing member 57. The tab 55 and landing member 57 form afastening system, such as adhesive fastening system 59. The fasteningsystem 59 may be used to initially secure the package at the time ofmanufacture and maintain the package in a secured condition until it isopened by the consumer. The adhesive tab 55 may also be used to securelyreclose the wrapper 34 and the used sanitary napkin 20 for disposal. Forreclosing the package for disposal, it is preferable that the adhesivetab 55 be secured to a portion of the wrapper 34 that does not include alanding member.

The adhesive tab arrangement shown in FIG. 4A permits more aggressiveadhesives to be used to attach the tape 55 to the wrapper 34 than arepossible without such a construction. The tab arrangement shown in FIG.4A can also be applied during manufacture to the package formed by thereleasable wrapper 34 contemporaneously with its complementary landingmember 57. Other advantages are described in greater detail below.

The component parts of the fastening system 59 include the tab 55, whichpreferably comprises a piece of tape. The tab or tape 55 comprises afirst portion 61 and a second portion 63. The first and second portions61 and 63 (and the subcomponents of these sections) can be arranged inseveral different manners. For instance, they can be separate componentsattached to the tab 55, etc. Preferably, however, the first and secondportions 61 and 63 are contiguous segments of the tab 55.

The first portion 61 of the tape 55 is preferably permanently attachedto a first surface during manufacture of the article(s) to which thetape sandwich is attached. The first portion 61, as a result, may alsobe referred to as a "manufacturer's end". In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the first surface 34' is a portion of wrapper 34 near thelateral (or end) edge of the third trisection 52b.

The second portion 63 of the tape 55 extends outward beyond the end ofthe first surface 34'. The second portion 63 serves at least two mainpurposes. The second portion 63 forms a releasable bond with the landingmember 57 located on a second surface 34". The second portion 63 is alsograsped by the consumer when it is desired to open and close thepackage. (That is, when the consumer desires to unfasten and refastenthe two surfaces). The second portion 63, as a result, may also bereferred to as a "tab portion", "user's portion", or "user's end".

The discussion of the fastening system 59 shown in FIG. 4A will employthe following convention for describing the respective surfaces or sidesof its components. When the tab 55 is secured to close the package, theside of the components facing the package will be referred to as the"inner", "inside" (or inwardly-facing) surface. These will be designatedby the reference number of the component together with the letter "a".The other side of the components will be referred to as the "outer","outside" (or outwardly-facing) surface. These will be designated by thereference number of the component together with the letter "b". The endsof the components will be referred to by the reference number of thecomponent together with the letters "c" and "d". With this in mind, thecomponents of the fastening system 59 will now be looked at in greaterdetail.

The first portion 61 of tape 55 has a relatively strong (or aggressive)adhesive, first adhesive, 65 permanently bonded to its inside surface61a. The first adhesive 65 is used to permanently attach the firstportion 61 to the portion of the wrapper 34 near the lateral (or end)edge of the third trisection 52b. The term "permanently attach", as usedherein, typically refers to a connection that cannot be unattachedwithout at least partially destroying one of the attached components.

The second portion 63 of the tape 55 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A,comprises a number of sections. Some of these sections are optional.These include an optional first section or "spacer" (or "spacingsection") 63' which has no adhesive on its inside surface 63'a. Thespacer 63' provides an adhesive-less length of tape so the tape 55 willnot stick to any portion of the wrapper 34 that is not covered bylanding member 57 material. The spacer 63', thus, eliminates thepossibility of unintentionally creating a permanent seal between thetape 55 and a second surface 34", such as the first trisection 52a ofthe wrapper 34.

The second portion 63 of the tape 55 further comprises a second sectionor fastening member 63". The fastening member 63" is the portion of thetape 55 which is releasably attached to the landing member 57. Thefastening member 63" has an adhesive, second adhesive 67, permanentlybonded to its inside surface 63"a. The fastening member 63" may, thus,be referred to as the "adhesive containing section". The second adhesive67 is a relatively aggressive adhesive.

The second adhesive 67 is a more aggressive adhesive than couldordinarily be used to form a releasable bond between the tape 55 and thesecond surface 34" if the landing member 57 was not present. The secondadhesive 67 can be sufficiently aggressive that it would form apermanent bond with the second surface 34", in the absence of thelanding member 57. The upper limit on the strength of the secondadhesive 67 is primarily determined by the release characteristics ofthe landing member 57. Preferably, for ease of manufacture, the secondadhesive 67 is the same type adhesive used for the first adhesive 65.

The aggressive adhesives used as the second adhesive 67 preferablyrequire relatively high peel forces as measured according to ASTM Std. D3330M for Peel Adhesion of Pressure Sensitive Tape at 180 Degree Angle.For example, suitable aggressive adhesives for creating permanent bondsto plastic films typically require forces greater than about 20 to 25oz. for separation. By way of comparison, adhesives that were typicallyused previously to create a releasable bond (i.e., without the tapesandwich) could be separated by forces less than about 10 to 20 oz. Theranges provided above are by way of example only. It is understood thatthe ranges applicable for a particular material are highly dependent onthe substrate.

Suitable aggressive adhesives are manufactured by M & C SpecialtiesCompany of Southhampton, Pa. as product numbers 445 and 794, which arelisted as being 30 oz. and 50 oz. adhesives, respectively.

The third section comprises a "tab end" at one end of the tape 55. Thesecond portion 63 is, therefore, arranged so that the second section orfastening member 63" is between the first section or spacer and the tabend or third section 63"'. When the optional tab end 63"' is in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 4A, it preferably has no adhesive on itsinside surface. The tab end 63"' of the tape 55 extends further outwardfrom the lateral end of the releasable wrapper 34 and can be used by theconsumer to peel the tape 55 away from the landing member 57.

The landing member 57 is any suitable element to which the fasteningmember 63" (on the tape 55) can be releasably attached by suchaggressive adhesives. The landing member 57 can comprise any materialwith which such a releasable bond can be formed. Suitable materialsinclude, but are not limited to tape, paper, film, and the like. Thesematerials may be, and preferably are, release treated as describedbelow. The landing member 57 has a surface area which is preferably atleast as large as that of the second adhesive.

The landing member 57 shown in FIG. 4A comprises a tape, or landingtape. The landing member 57 has its own aggressive adhesive, such asthird adhesive 69, on its inside surface 57a. The third adhesive 69 isused for permanently affixing the landing member 57 to a second surface34", such as the exposed face of the first trisection 52a.

The outside surface 57b of the landing member is preferably treated witha material to make that surface releasable when contacted by therelatively aggressive adhesive on the second section 63" of the tape 55.The outside surface 57b can be treated by coating it with a "releasematerial" 71. For instance, the outside surface can be coated withsilicon, lacquers, or it can be treated in any manner known in the artfor providing a releasable surface.

The tape sandwich with its complementary landing member 57 is thus, ableto permit more aggressive adhesives to be used to attach the tape 55 tothe wrapper 34. If the landing member 57 were not used, such moreaggressive adhesives might tear the wrapper 34 upon opening the sealedpackage, particularly if a paper wrapper 34 is used. The tape sandwicharrangement is also advantageous because due to the use of thecomplementary landing member 57 it is not necessary to tailor thestrength of the second adhesive 67 to the properties of the wrappermaterial. Previously, manufacturers had to attempt to find the narrowrange of adhesive strengths that could be used for the wrapper 34material which was both strong enough to seal the package but not sostrong that it would destroy the package or the resealability uponopening. This required a compromise since this narrow range required theuse of adhesives that were too weak to reliably form an adequate bondparticularly for reclosing the package for disposal by the consumer. Thefastening system of the present invention is not dependent on thecharacteristics of the wrapper, or other substrate. Thus, the samefastening system can be used to releasably attach the tape 55 tonumerous different types of substrate surfaces regardless of theirmaterial strength and composition.

FIG. 4B is an alternative embodiment of the adhesive tab arrangementshown in FIG. 4A. In this embodiment, the tab end 63"' is adhesivelycoated and then folded over on itself and secured to form a folded endtab 72. The folded end tab 72 is easier for the user to grip. The tab inFIG. 4B has a second adhesive 67 that extends to the end 55d of the tape55. The second adhesive 67 need not extend all the way to the end,however. The second adhesive 67 only needs to extend far enough that thetab 55 can be folded over and secured to itself.

FIG. 4C shows an embodiment in which the surface area of the landingtape 57 is larger than that of the second adhesive 67. This embodimentprovides some room for error in aligning the second adhesive 67 and thelanding member 57 during manufacture. It also provides room for error inaligning these two elements if the tape 55 and the landing member 57 arenot contemporaneously affixed to the package during manufacture. FIG. 4Calso illustrates an embodiment in which the area covered by the thirdadhesive 69 is less than the surface area of the landing member 57. Itis thus, not necessary that the third adhesive 69 cover the entireinside surface 57a of the landing member 57.

FIG. 4D shows an alternative embodiment in which the landing tape 57 isnot used. In FIG. 4D, the landing tape 57 is eliminated and the secondsurface 34" is coated with a release material 71. Suitable releasematerials include any of those described previously such as siliconcoatings (e.g., "SILOX"), lacquers, etc. The second surface 34" iscoated over the same area where the landing tape 57 could have beenlocated. The coated second surface 34", thus, provides a "landingsurface" 73.

FIG. 4E shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 4C. FIG. 4E shows alanding member 57 with a surface area that is much larger than thesurface area of the second adhesive 67. More specifically, the landingmember 57 is of such a size that it lies at least partially under thefirst surface 34'. In this case, the landing member 57 lies at leastpartially under the "flap" on the package formed by the wrapper 34. Theadvantage of this embodiment is that it eliminates the need for thefirst section or spacer 63'. This simplifies the construction of thetape 55. In lieu of providing a gap between the first and secondadhesives, the first adhesive 65 can be applied over the entire insidesurface 55a of the tape 55.

FIG. 4F shows an alternative embodiment that does not use a separatetape 55. FIG. 4F shows a wrapper 34 that has an adhesive 75 on theinside surface of its third trisection 52b. Like the adhesives in manyof the embodiments described herein, the adhesive 75 could be applied ina patch, a strip, a single bead, etc. Preferably, in this embodiment, itis a single bead. A landing member 57 or landing surface 73 is providedbeneath the adhesive. In this embodiment, the wrapper material 34 servesthe function of the tape 55. This embodiment provides the advantage ofallowing an aggressive adhesive to be used without the need for aseparate tape 55.

FIG. 4G shows an alternative embodiment in which the tape 55 iseliminated. The second surface 34" has a landing member 57 affixed toit. The landing member 57 comprises a piece of two-sided or double-sidedadhesive tape. The inside surface 57a of the double-sided tape is coatedwith an aggressive permanent adhesive 69. The aggressive adhesive 69 isused to permanently affix the double-sided tape to the second surface34". The outside surface 57b of the tape 57 is coated with a releasematerial 71. The outside surface 57b is then also coated with anaggressive adhesive 75. The aggressive adhesive 75 transfers to thefirst surface 34' and permanently affixes itself to the first surface34' when the tape sandwich is brought in contact with the first surface34. The aggressive adhesive detaches from the double-sided landing tape57. The coated outside surface 57b of the landing tape 57, thus,provides a releasable fastening surface for securing the aggressiveadhesive 75 on the inside surface of the first surface 34' to thelanding tape 57.

There are numerous other variations of the embodiments shown in FIGS.4A-4G. For instance, there could be more than one tab. In othervariations, the relation ship between the various tape and adhesivecomponents of the fastening system could be rearranged in a number ofdifferent ways. In other variations, alternative types of fasteningdevices known in the art could be used in these various combinationsinstead of adhesives. For instance, the landing member 57 and thefastening member 63 could comprise high static vinyl as is described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,979,613 issued to McLaughlin, et al. on Dec. 25, 1990.

The tab construction described herein could also be used on other typesof packages. For instance, any of the embodiments described herein couldbe used on a package similar to that described in the McLaughlin patentand a sanitary napkin with a conventional release paper could be foldedand inserted into such a package.

The tab construction could also be used on other articles, such as ondiapers or other types of disposable absorbent articles. Suitablediapers are described in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 26,152, issued to Duncan, etal. on Jan. 31, 1967, U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003, issued to Buell on Jan.14, 1975, U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,803, issued to Aziz, et al. on Mar. 20,1990, U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,278, issued to Lawson on Sep. 22, 1987, andU.S. Pat. No. 4,704,115, issued to Buell on Nov. 3, 1987. Fasteningsystems for absorbent articles that could either be replaced byfastening systems of the present invention, or that have certainfeatures that could be combined with the fastening system of the presentinvention to yield new fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,896,724, issued to Scripps on Sep. 26, 1989, U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,815,issued to Scripps on Jul. 11, 1989, U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,060, issued toNestegard on Jan. 16, 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,527, issued to Battrellon Aug. 7, 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,594, issued to Buell on Nov. 19,1974, U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,875, issued to Hirotsu, et al. on May 5, 1987,and U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,028, issued to Zoia, et al. on Oct. 1, 1991.

FIG. 5 illustrates a variant embodiment of the invention wherein thereleasable wrapper 34 has a longitudinal extension 56 which overlays atleast one, and if desired both, lateral side margins 32 of the sanitarynapkin 20. This arrangement provides further protection for the sanitarynapkin 20.

If only one longitudinal extension 56 is utilized, preferably, but notnecessarily, it overlays the lateral side margin 32 of theouter-outboard trisection 52b. A means to maintain the sanitary napkin20 and releasable wrapper 34 in the desired folded arrangement may alsobe advantageously employed with the longitudinal extension 56. In oneparticularly preferred arrangement, adhesive 58 is disposed on thelongitudinal extension 56, particularly on the folded face of thelongitudinal extension 56 which faces outwardly and away from thetopsheet 22 when the sanitary napkin 20 is not in a folded arrangementand faces towards the opposed outboard trisection 52 when the sanitarynapkin 20 and releasable wrapper 34 are folded.

The adhesive 58 may be juxtaposed with the longitudinal edges of thelongitudinal extension 56, or generally coincide with the longitudinalcenterline, or be positioned on the longitudinal extensions 56 generallycoextensive of the longitudinal centerline 36. Using either arrangement,the longitudinal extension 56 of the releasable wrapper 34 is adhered toa portion of the releasable wrapper 34 which is longitudinally inboardof the lateral side margins 32 of the sanitary napkin 20.

FIG. 6 illustrates a variation which provides yet additional protectionfor a sanitary napkin 20 having flaps 28. In FIG. 6, the releasablewrapper 34, in addition to C-folding the longitudinal side margins 32 ofthe sanitary napkin 20, extends laterally inboard to the distal ends 46of the flaps 28, and C-folds the distal end 46 of one, and preferably ofboth, flaps 28 of the sanitary napkin 20. The releasable wrapper 34 ofsuch a configuration has a segment interposed between the flap 28 andthe topsheet 22. Providing the releasable wrapper 34 extendslongitudinally outboard of and between both lateral side margins 32, andthe two C-folds 50 which overlay the distal ends 46 of the flaps 28 meetor overlap, the entire sanitary napkin 20 is protected by the releasablewrapper 34 without the necessity of trifolding about spaced apartlaterally oriented fold lines.

FIGS. 7-9 generally illustrate embodiments where both flaps 28 of thesanitary napkin 20 are not folded over the same major face defined bythe topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24. In the variations-illustrated byFIGS. 7-9, the sanitary napkins 20 have one flap 28 folded over thetopsheet 22, and the other flap 28 folded over the backsheet 24 in aconvolute fold pattern.

At least one, and preferably both, flaps 28 of the sanitary napkins 20of FIG. 7-9 have adhesive 40b associated with, and preferably joined to,the face of the flaps 28 which is generally coextensive of the backsheet24. The flap 28 folded over the topsheet 22 will have the adhesive 40bof the flap 28 facing outwardly, where this adhesive 40b may be coveredand protected by the releasable wrapper 34. If the flap 28 folded overthe backsheet 24 also has adhesive 40b, such adhesive 40b is preferablycovered by an independent piece of release paper (not shown). However,the flap 28 having adhesive 40b exposed by the selected convolute foldarrangement, may advantageously use the releasable wrapper 34 to coversuch adhesive 40b, and, as well, cover the adhesive 40a associated withthe central portion of the backsheet 24.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the one flap 28 of the sanitary napkin 20has its distal end 46 wrapped in a C-fold 50 by the releasable wrapper34. The corresponding first longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitarynapkin 20 is wrapped in a second C-fold 50. The remainder of thereleasable wrapper 34 laterally extends across the sanitary napkin 20,covers the other flap 28, wraps the opposite longitudinal side margin 30in a third C-fold 50 and extends laterally inwardly towards thelongitudinal centerline, to approach the distal end 46 of the flap 28 ofthe first longitudinal side margin 30. If desired, the longitudinal edgeof the releasable wrapper 34 which approaches the distal end 46 of suchfirst flap 28 may overlap the portion of the releasable wrapper 34 whichC-folds the distal end 46 of the flap 28.

It is to be understood by one skilled in the art that the first C-fold50 of the releasable wrapper 34, which wraps the distal end 46 of theone flap 28, need not have its apex close to the distal end 46 (asillustrated), but rather this apex may be laterally displaced therefromtowards the opposite longitudinal side margin 30. As the apex of theC-fold 50 which wraps the distal end 46 of the one flap 28 approachesthe opposite longitudinal side margin 30, a greater portion of the majorface which such flap 28 overlays is covered and protected by a doublethickness of the releasable wrapper 34. If desired, the releasablewrapper 34 of such a variant may be generally coterminous with, orlaterally outboard of, such opposite longitudinal side margin 30 ratherthan be disposed laterally inboard of such opposite longitudinal sidemargin 30 as illustrated.

In the variation of FIG. 8, the releasable wrapper 34 has a first C-fold50 wrapping the distal end 46 of either flap 28, wraps the correspondinglongitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin 20 in a second C-fold50. The releasable wrapper 34 extends generally uninterrupted across amajor face of the sanitary napkin 20, particularly the major faceopposite that which the C-folded flap 28 is folded.

The lateral edge of the releasable wrapper 34 may be generallycoextensive with the other longitudinal side margin 30 (as illustrated).It will be recognized that the backsheet 24 may have adhesive 40acovered by an independent release paper (not shown) or may have suchadhesive 40a adhered to the inwardly oriented face of the wrapper 34 (asillustrated). Furthermore, the apex of the first C-fold 50 which wrapsthe distal end 46 of the flap 28 may be adjacent such distal end 46rather than adjacent the opposite longitudinal side margin 30, or may beat any intermediate position. If a major face of the sanitary napkin isexposed, as not illustrated by FIG. 8, preferably the exposed face isthat face defined by the backsheet 24, so that the topsheet 22 isprotected and remains in a sanitary condition.

FIG. 9 illustrates a releasable wrapper 34 which wraps one longitudinalside margin 30 of the sanitary napkin 20 in a C-fold 50 and covers theflap 28 corresponding to this longitudinal side margin 30. It is to beunderstood by one skilled in the art that the other longitudinal sidemargin 30 could be wrapped in a C-fold 50 as well, by an extension ofthe portion of the releasable wrapper 34 which covers such flap 28. Alongitudinal edge of the releasable wrapper 34 is interposed between theother flap 28 and the major surface which the other flap 28 overlays.

In yet a further variation (not shown), the sanitary napkin 20 is foldedin an S-fold about two spaced-apart transversely oriented fold lines, sothat the topsheet 22 of one outboard trisection 52 faces outwardly andis exposed, and the backsheet 24 of the other outboard trisection 52faces outwardly and is exposed. In an S-folded configuration, thereleasable wrapper 34 may be somewhat shorter than the unfoldedlongitudinal dimension of the sanitary napkin 20, providing thereleasable wrapper 34 is applied to the sanitary napkin 20 after it isS-folded.

With an S-folded sanitary napkin 20, the releasable wrapper 34 mayoverlay the trisection 52 which has the exposed topsheet 22, so that thetopsheet 22 is completely covered, and wrap the longitudinal sidemargins 30 of the sanitary napkin 20 in C-folds 50. The longitudinaledges of the releasable wrapper 34 then overlay the backsheet 24 of theother exposed trisection 52. A feature common to this and any of theforegoing embodiments is that the longitudinal edges of the releasablewrapper 34 may be spaced apart, abut, or overlap as desired.

If desired, the S-folded sanitary napkin 20 may be rotated 90 degreesrelative to the releasable wrapper 34, so that the longitudinal axes ofthe sanitary napkin 20 and the releasable wrapper 34 are mutuallyorthogonal. The S-folded sanitary napkin 20 is placed on the releasablewrapper 34 so that the trisection 52 of the sanitary napkin 20 havingthe exposed topsheet 22 is completely covered. One apex of the S-foldand a lateral side margin 32 is then wrapped by the releasable wrapper34 in a C-fold 50. In this arrangement, the longitudinal edges of thereleasable wrapper 34 bound the exposed backsheet 24 as described above.It will be apparent that this arrangement may be transposed, so that thereleasable wrapper 34 overlays the topsheet 22 and the longitudinaledges of the releasable wrapper 34 overlay the backsheet 24.

With each of the S-folded sanitary napkin embodiments, the releasablewrapper 34 does not conform to a similar S-fold, but rather is generallyU-shaped. This produces a somewhat shorter releasable wrapper 34 becausethe central trisection 51 of the sanitary napkin 20 does not have adedicated length of releasable wrapper 34.

The releasable wrapper 34 (as shown in FIGS. 10-12) may also comprise aflap (or pouch) 53 to contain a cleansing wipe as described below,and/or to assist in the disposal of the sanitary napkin 20 and/or thecleansing wipe 80. A suitable flap (or pouch) is described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,556,146, issued to Swanson, et al.

The flap 53 can be used with releasable wrapper 34 embodiments that areconfigured to wrap the longitudinal side margins of the sanitary napkinin a C-fold (such as those shown in the drawings).

In other embodiments, the flap 53 can be used with releasable wrappers34 that are configured to overlay only one major surface of the sanitarynapkin 20 (i.e., not configured to wrap the longitudinal side margins ofthe sanitary napkin). In other alternative embodiments, the flap (and/orany other feature described in the Swanson, et al. patent or describedherein could be used with releasable wrappers 34 that are not configuredto wrap the longitudinal side margins of the sanitary napkin, and/or arealso only folded about a single transverse axis. In other alternativeembodiments, the releasable wrapper 34 and sanitary napkin 20 may beunfolded, or folded about two or more transverse axes. Instill otheralternative embodiments, the flap or pouch may be provided on acompletely different type of wrapper or package.

There are numerous possible locations on the releasable wrapper 34 forsuch a flap 53. The flap 53 can be located on either face of thewrapper, the inwardly oriented face of the wrapper 34, or the outwardlyoriented face. The flap 53 is typically located on central trisection 51on the outwardly oriented force of the wrapper 34, or at one of the endsof the wrapper 34. The flap 53 could, thus, alternatively, oradditionally be located at the end of the inner-outboard trisection 52a,or at the end of the outer-outboard trisection 52b.

FIGS. 10-12B show five of the possible locations for the flap 53. Theseare designated 53a-53e. The flap in FIG. 10 designated 53a is located atthe end of the inner outboard trisection 52a. The flap 53a in FIG. 10 islocated on the outwardly oriented face of the wrapper 34. The flap inFIG. 11 designated 53b is located on the inwardly oriented face of thesame trisection. The flap in FIG. 12 designated 53c is located on theinwardly oriented face of the outer outboard trisection 52b. Theposition of the flap 53 may be chosen (as described below) to providemore options for wrapping the used sanitary napkin for disposal. Theflap in FIG. 12A designated 53d is located on the outwardly orientedface of the outer-outboard trisection 52b. The flap in FIG. 12Bdesignated 53eis located on the outwardly oriented face of the centraltrisection 51.

The sanitary napkin 20 can be configured for disposal in at least threedifferent ways using the wrapper 34. The user can roll up the usedsanitary napkin 20, and insert it in the pouch (that is, under the flap53). The remainder of the releasable wrapper 34 can then be folded,rolled, wrapped, etc. around the portion of the pouch 53 containing thesanitary napkin 20. If the releasable wrapper 34 is provided with a tapetab 55, in such a case, the tape tab 55 can be used to secure thereleasable wrapper in a folded or rolled up configuration.

Alternatively, the sanitary napkin can be folded or rolled up and placedon the end of the releasable wrapper 34 opposite the end containing theflap. The sanitary napkin can then be rolled up in the wrapper 34. Theflap 53 can then be pulled over the rolled up portion of the releasablewrapper 34 to secure the package in a rolled up configuration.

Alternatively, if in the previous alternative the flap 53 is on theopposite side of the releasable wrapper that the sanitary napkin isplaced on and rolled up in, the flap 53 can be turned inside out andpulled over the rolled up sanitary napkin 20 to secure the package.

The alternative location for the flap designated 53b is an especiallypreferred embodiment for use in disposing a used sanitary napkin becauseit allows the sanitary napkin 20 to be configured for disposal in allthree alternative ways. The other two alternative locations for the flap53 are not as suitable if the user chooses the alternative of placingthe sanitary napkin under the flap 53 and desires to roll up thesanitary napkin 20 and fasten the rolled up sanitary napkin in a rolledup configuration with the adhesive tab 55.

The sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention is packaged with acleansing wipe 80.

The cleansing wipe 80 is a hygenic wipe that may be used by the wearerto clean menses and/or other body exudates from her body.

The cleaning of menses is particularly important because when mensesleaves the wearer's body, it tends to smear over the pudendal region ofthe wearer's body and be retained on the wearer's skin and pubic hair.Furthermore, the menses often dries on the skin and in the pubic hair.This makes later cleansing difficult.

The inclusion of a cleansing wipe with the individual sanitary napkinprovides several advantages. The wipe provides for physical cleansing.This increases physical comfort as well as psychological comfort byproviding a feeling of cleanliness. The wipe may also be used to reducesoiling of the wearer's panties. One mechanism that causes panty soilingis the transfer of menses from soiled body surfaces to the wearer'spanties. In addition, the use of the wipe may also provide a reductionin the odor associated with menstruation.

The cleansing wipe 80 is preferably a wet wipe (that is,liquid-containing) that is provided with an aqueous-based solution. Thewipe 80 is preferably comprised of a nonwoven fabric impregnated with anaqueous cleaning mixture. The nonwoven fabric may be comprised ofsynthetic fibers or natural fibers (such as cellulose). The wipe 80 can,for instance, be made of a nonwoven material similar to toilet tissue orfacial tissue. Less preferred embodiments might include dry wipes orwipes containing non-aqueous cleaning solutions such as mineral oils,and the emollient described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,243, issued to Allenon Nov. 6, 1984.

The cleaning mixture may include surfactants, alcohols, perfumes,antimicrobial agents, and pH buffers. The wipe 80 may also containsubstances such as silicones that tend to inhibit menses from adheringto the wearer's skin and pubic hair. The cleaning mixture may alsocontain skin conditioning substances similar to those used in handlotions, or any other substances known in the art for inclusion incleansing wipes.

The cleansing wipe 80 is preferably both capable of being flushed in atoilet (i.e., it is "flushable"), and disintegrates sufficiently whenflushed in a toilet and when being transported in the sewer system so itdoes not plug any element of a sewer system. In preferred embodiments,any wrapping material associated with the wipe is also flushable anddisintegrates. Wrapping materials that meet such criteria include, butare not limited to silicone-treated polyvinyl alcohol films, or filmscoated with a polyvinyl alcohol, tissue coated or impregnated withpolyvinyl alcohol, or similar or other water soluble materials. Onematerial that may be suitable for use as both a cleansing wipe, and as awrapping for the same is the hydro-entangled fabric described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,755,421, issued to Manning, et al. on Jul. 5, 1988.

The size of the cleansing wipe 80 can vary. The cleansing wipe 80 ispreferably greater than or equal to about 4 square inches (about 25square centimeters), and more preferably, is greater than or equal toabout 9 square inches (about 50 square centimeters) in size. Preferably,the cleansing wipe 80 is less than or equal to about 225 square inches(about 1,450 square centimeters) in size. Even more preferably, thecleansing wipe 80 is between about 16 square inches (about 100 squarecentimeters) and about 50 square inches (about 320 square centimeters)in size. Most preferably, the wipe 80 is about 35 square inches (about225 square centimeters) in size.

The drawing figures show several non-limiting alternative ways ofpackaging the cleansing wipe 80 with the releasable wrapper 34.

FIGS. 10-13 show an individually packaged wipe 80 that is includedwithin the flap 53 of the releasable wrapper 34 and sealed. FIGS. 10-12Bshow that the wipe 80 can be packaged in flaps 53 located on variousdifferent portions of the releasable wrapper 34. The embodiments shownin FIGS. 10, 12A, and 12B may be preferred in cases in which it isdesirable to remove the cleansing wipe 80 with minimal disruption of theportion of the package containing the sanitary napkin 20.

FIG. 13 shows a particularly preferred releasable wrapper 34 for use inpackaging the cleansing wipe 80. FIG. 13 shows that the releasablewrapper 34 extends beyond (at least) one end edge 32 of the sanitarynapkin. In addition, the longitudinal edges 34c of the releasablewrapper 34 extend beyond the longitudinal side margins 30 of thesanitary napkin 20. The longitudinal edges 34c of the releasable wrapperare preferably not folded inward toward the sanitary napkin 20 in thisembodiment, but in other embodiments they may be folded inward.

The flap 53 of the wrapper 34 shown in FIG. 13 has a preferredconfiguration. The folded wipe 80 is preferably placed on top of thereleasable wrapper 34 as shown before the flap 53 is formed, for ease ofmanufacture.

The flap 53 may be formed by folding the end of the releasable wrapper34 that extends beyond the end edge 32a of the sanitary napkin over theadjacent section of the releasable wrapper 34 to sandwich the wipe 80therebetween. The releasable wrapper 34 is preferably folded so that,after folding, the folded section that forms the flap 53 covers the wipe80 but does not cover the sanitary napkin. The flap 53, thus, stillextends beyond one end edge 32 of the sanitary napkin 20.

In other alternative embodiments, the flap 53 may be a separate piece ofmaterial that is attached to the releasable wrapper 34. The same appliesto any of the embodiments described herein which have flaps.

FIG. 13 shows that the folding closes one side 82 of flap or pouch 53formed on the releasable wrapper 34. The mouth 84 of the flap 53 is thensealed with a releasable (or "openable") seal 90. The side edges 86 and88 of the flap 53 are sealed with a liquid impermeable seal along dottedlines a and b. This sealing, thus, forms a four-sided sealed pouch forthe cleansing wipe 80.

The releasable wrapper 34 containing the cleansing wipe 80 and sanitarynapkin 20 are then preferably folded about transverse axes 1, 2, and 3.The folded package may be frangibly sealed outboard of the liquidimpermeable sealing line (c and d) along dotted lines a and b inaccordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,146, issued toSwanson, et al. The folded package may then be retained in its foldedconfiguration with tape 55.

The seals around all sides of the pouch 53 must be sufficient to preventsubstantial evaporation of the aqueous solution from the time theproduct is manufactured to the time it is used by the consumer. Anynumber of sealing mechanisms may be used, including, but not limited toheat and/or pressure seals, ultrasonic seals, glue seals, and zipperedtrack sealing systems such as Dow Company's "ZIP LOCKS". In addition,the pouch 53 may be lined with foil, or some other suitable material tofurther reduce evaporation.

The mouth 84 of the pouch 53 preferably has a convex shape with respectto the folded end 82 of the pouch when seen in plan view. This isparticularly useful in providing for ease of opening the pouch 53,particularly when the pouch 53 is formed of extremely thin and flexiblematerials and the seal follows the shape of the mouth 84 of the pouchfor the reasons described below. In other embodiments, the pouch 53 andits mouth 84 may be of any other suitable shape.

The pouch 53 must include a releasable seal for unsealing (or opening)the pouch 53 in order to remove the wipe 80. The releasable seal 90 maybe at the mouth 84 of the pouch 53, i.e. at least a portion of the sealsaround all sides of the pouch is releasable or at some other portion ofthe pouch 53. The releasable seal 90 may comprise any suitable type ofreleasable seal, including, but not limited to releasable adhesives,releasable heat and/or pressure seals, perforations, rupture seals, tearseals.

The shape of the seal 90 may also be important, particularly if areleasable adhesive seal is used. Having a rounded adhesive for thereleasable seal is highly preferred. The "rounded" releasable seal 90preferably follows the plan view shape of the mouth 84 of the pouch 53.(That is, both have a convex configuration.) The rounded releasable seal90 has the advantage that peeling forces applied to open the pouch 53need only be initially exerted on a portion of the total area covered bythe releasable adhesive. The releasable adhesive configuration providesthe strength of a linear seal, but ease of opening so there will be lesschance of tearing the pouch material.

The releasable seal 90 can be in other shapes that will provided abenefit similar to that of a rounded seal. Any seal shape that isconfigured so that portions (or segments) of the adhesive adjacent theopenable edge of the pouch are closer to the openable edge than theremaining portions or segments of the adhesive will work. Seals meetingthis criteria will also provide an easier opening pouch by permittinggradual peeling. An example of such a seal is the V-shaped seal shown inFIG. 13A. The V-shaped seal shown in FIG. 13A has a centerline thatcoincides with the longitudinal centerline 36.

The pouch 53 may also have a mechanism for assisting the user in openingthe pouch 53, such as the tab 92 shown in FIGS. 10-13.

As noted above, the tape 55 may be used to retain the package in itsfolded configuration. In alternative embodiments, the tape 55 may not beused for holding the package initially, and may be preserved only forfolding or rolling up and retaining the napkin and releasable wrapper 34when disposing of a used sanitary napkin.

There are a non-limiting number of ways to preserve the tape 55 for usein sealing the package for use in disposal of a used sanitary napkin. Inthe following embodiments, the tape 55 is not used to seal the packageprior to use of the sanitary napkin 20.

In one alternative embodiment, the exposed adhesive on the tape 55 canbe covered with a release paper. The release paper can be removed, andthe tape 55 can be used for disposal.

In another alternative embodiment, when the sanitary napkin is packaged,the exposed adhesive-containing section of tape 55 may be coated with asuitable release coating and folded over on itself in a manner similarto that used on diaper tapes. The tape 55 can than be unfolded andadhered to the package for disposal.

In another alternative embodiment, the tape 55 can be a removable tape.The removable tape can be fastened to the releasable wrapper 34 in sucha manner that it does not retain the sanitary napkin in its foldedconfiguration prior to use. For instance, the tape 55 can simply bedisposed on a release coated portion of the releasable wrapper 34. Thesanitary napkin can be placed in the wrapper 34 and the wrappercontaining the sanitary napkin can then be folded or rolled into apackage configured for disposal. The removable tape 55 can then beremoved from the package and used to secure the package in its disposalconfiguration.

The releasable wrapper 34 shown in FIG. 13 can be provided with anoptional perforation line at the place designated e. This will allow theuser to tear off the pouch 53 containing the cleansing wipe 80. The usercan then carry the pouch 53 as a separate package. In other embodiments,any other suitable means for releasably affixing the pouch 53 to theremainder of the releasable wrapper can be used instead of a perforationline.

FIGS. 13A-E show a method of folding a variation of the embodiment shownin FIG. 13.

The sanitary napkin 20 shown in these figures has side flaps 28extending from each longitudinal side margin 30 of the sanitary napkin20. The flaps 28 are folded over the topsheet 22 in a topsheet-facingrelation ship. The pressure sensitive adhesive patches 40b on the flaps28 are bridged by a single unitary release strip 35.

FIGS. 13A-C show that after the pouch 53 is formed with the cleansingwipe 80 inside, the releasable wrapper 34 is folded about the axesdesignated 1, 2, and 3 similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13. Thefolding can be accomplished in any suitable way, such as by the use offolding boards f and g shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A-F differs, however, in that the end34d of the releasable wrapper 34 (i.e., a second end) which is oppositethe end containing the pouch 53 (i.e., the first end) also extendsbeyond an end edge of the sanitary napkin. This second end 34d of thereleasable wrapper 34 extends beyond an edge 32 of the sanitary napkin20. More specifically, second end 34d of the releasable wrapper extendsfar enough beyond the end edge 32 of the sanitary napkin 20 that it canbe folded about a fourth fold axis, 4. This end 34d of the releasablewrapper can be wrapped from one side of the folded package 34e andfastened to the other side 34f.

The second end 34d of the releasable wrapper 34 can be fastened down byfrangible sealing lines along the longitudinal edges 34c of thereleasable wrapper package. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 13D and 13E,the releasable wrapper package can be provided with a tape 55. FIG.13D-shows an embodiment in which the tape 55 is preserved for use insecuring the wrapper when disposing of a used sanitary napkin. FIG. 13Eshows an embodiment in which the tape 55 is used in addition to thefrangible seals to secure the second end 34d of the releasable wrapper34 to the package. FIG. 13F is a sectional view of the package shown inFIG. 13D.

The variation shown in FIGS. 13A-F is advantageous because it providesadditional protection for keeping the sanitary napkin 20 free fromsoiling prior to use. The folding of the second end 34d of the wrapperaround the wrapper package closes off the package. This constructionprevents pencils, pens, and other objects in the user's purse frommarking and soiling the sanitary napkin 20.

The variation shown in FIGS. 13A-F is also particularly advantageouswhen used with thick sanitary napkins. Thick sanitary napkins tend tounfold after they have been wrapped. The wrapping of the second end 34dof the wrapper around the wrapper package reduces the tendency for thicksanitary napkins to unfold.

Many other variations of the versions of the package shown in FIGS.13A-F are possible. In other versions of the package shown in FIGS.13A-F, the pouch 53 could be on some other portion of the package.Instill other versions, the wipe 80 could be in a separate receptacle.For instance, in this latter case, the releasable wrapper 34 could becut along the axis designated 1, and the wrapper 34 could have aseparate receptacle attached to it after the wrapper is in its foldedconfiguration. Alternatively, such a wrapper could be used simply towrap the sanitary napkin by serving the advantages discussed abovewithout a receptacle and a cleansing wipe.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, rather than being insertedin a flap or pouch 53 provided on the releasable wrapper 34, the wipe 80may be folded and sealed in a separate pouch, wrapping material, orother receptacle associated with the releasable wrapper 34.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show an individually packaged wipe 80 that is in aseparate receptacle 94. The wipe 80 may be placed in a receptaclepositioned on the exterior of the releasable wrapper 34 or the interiorof the releasable wrapper 34. The receptacle containing the wipe 80 maycover the entire length of the releasable wrapper 34 or just part of thelength of the releasable wrapper 34 depending on the size of the wipe80, and manner of folding the wipe.

The receptacle 94 shown in FIG. 14 lays on the surface of the sanitarynapkin before the sanitary napkin is folded over. The receptacle 94shown in FIG. 15 is preferably releasably attached to the outsidesurface of the releasable wrapper 34 by any known means such asreleasable adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and the like.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment in which the wipe 80 is laminated betweenthe releasable wrapper 34 and a covering, such as a film 96.

The wipe 80 shown in FIG. 16 is preferably positioned between thereleasable wrapper 34 and the covering before the wrapper 34 andsanitary napkin 20 are folded. In this embodiment, the longitudinal andend edges of the film 96 and the wrapper 34 extend beyond those of thewipe 80 to form a peripheral area 98. The wrapper 34 and film 96 aresealed about this peripheral area 98 with the wipe 80 in between. Inthis embodiment, (as in all the other embodiments described herein), thefilm 96 or other material in which the wipe 80 is sealed should beprovided with barrier properties to keep liquids and vapors fromevaporating from the wipe 80 prior to use. This embodiment has theadvantage that the wipe 80 can be packaged with no or minimal folding ofthe wipe.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16.Instead of being laminated between the releasable wrapper 34 and a film,the wipe 80 is completely wrapped by the releasable wrapper 34. Thereleasable wrapper 34 forms a releasable wrapper package that both: (1)holds the wipe 80, and (2) has a large enough surface area to cover thepanty adhesive 40a.

The releasable wrapper 34 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 has dimensions largerthan the folded or unfolded cleansing wipe 80, as the case may be. Thereleasable wrapper 34 is preferably comprised of a single sheet ofliquid and vapor impervious material. The cleansing wipe 80 is placedadjacent one of the faces of the unfolded releasable wrapper 34. Thewipe 80 is positioned near the center of the wrapper 34 so that thelongitudinal and end edges of the releasable wrapper 34 extend beyondthe edges of the cleansing wipe 80.

FIG. 18 shows that the longitudinal edges 34c of the releasable wrapper34 are then folded around the longitudinal edges 80c of the cleansingwipe 80 in a C-fold configuration. The longitudinal edges 34c of thereleasable wrapper 34 may meet as shown in FIG. 18, or overlap. Thelongitudinal edges 34c of the wrapper 34 are sealed, preferably with areleasable seal.

The ends 34d of the folded releasable wrapper 34 material extend beyondthe end edges 80d of the cleansing wipe 80 and are also sealed. The ends34d of the releasable wrapper 34 can be sealed permanently orreleasably. Providing a releasable seal at the ends 34d provides analternative way of removing the cleansing wipe 80 from the wrapperpackage.

The releasable wrapper 34 package shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 preferablyhas one side or face that is coated with a release coating. In FIGS. 17and 18, this is the side of the package designated 34a that is facingupward toward the top of the drawing page. The side of the releasablewrapper 34 facing upward is attached to the adhesive strips 40a on thebacksheet of the sanitary napkin.

In other less preferred alternatives, the other side of the releasablewrapper package, the side formed with the longitudinal edges 34c of thewrapper 34 thereon, could be coated with the release coating andattached to the adhesive strips 40a.

While it is not necessary to thereafter fold the sanitary napkin 20 andwrapper 34 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the sanitarynapkin and wrapper could be bi-folded, tri-folded, or configured in anyother manner described herein.

The releasable wrapper 34 package shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 has theadvantage that not only does it not require folding of the cleansingwipe 80, it can also be removed from the sanitary napkin and carried asa discrete package after the sanitary napkin 20 is put on by the wearer.

FIG. 19 shows another alternative embodiment for packaging a cleansingwipe with a sanitary napkin 20.

The package 100 shown in FIG. 19 is referred to as a "fold and wrap"package. The fold and wrap package 100 is a discrete package that has apackage body 10 2 and a package flap 104. The sanitary napkin 20 isfolded or rolled up and placed within the package body 102. The maindifference between this embodiment, and the other embodiments describedherein is that the fold and wrap package is not folded or rolled up withthe sanitary napkin. Therefore, it does not replace the release paperconventionally used to cover the adhesive 40a on the garment-facing side20b of the sanitary napkin 20. A conventional release paper is generallyused with the sanitary napkin 20.

Another difference in the fold and wrap package lies in the sealing ofthe longitudinal side edges of the package. Typically, a permanent seal(i.e., a non-frangible seal) is used along the portion of the packagethat forms the package body 102. This seal is designated 103. Thelongitudinal edges of the package flap 104 may be frangibly sealed tothe package body 102, such as by crimping, heat and/or pressure seals,or adhesive strips 54.

The cleansing wipe 80 is placed in a pouch 53 positioned on the fold andwrap package 100. The pouch 53 can be positioned on either the packagebody 102 or the package flap 104. The pouch 53 may be positioned in anysuitable location on the package 100. The pouch 53, thus, may bepositioned in locations that are similar to any of those specified abovefor the releasable wrapper 34. The pouch 53 should preferably have thesame or similar properties to those properties described above for thepouches used on the other types of packages.

In alternative embodiments, the cleansing wipe 80 may be placed in aseparate receptacle 94 similar to that described herein with referenceto FIGS. 14 and 15. Such a separate receptacle can be permanently orremovably attached to the fold and wrap package 100.

Preferably, the pouch 53 or receptacle 94 is located on the outsidesurface of the flap 104 of the fold and wrap package 100 (as shown inFIG. 19). Alternatively, the pouch 53 could be located on the front 105,or more preferably, the back 106, of the package body 102. Theselocations permit the pouch 53 containing the wipe 80 to be opened or thereceptacle 94 containing the wipe 80 to be removed and used withoutopening the fold and wrap package. This is useful in the event theconsumer needs to use the wipe 80, but not the sanitary napkin 20, andwishes to keep the sanitary napkin in a clean condition until ready foruse.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other variations arefeasible and within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Forexample, combinations of the foregoing embodiments are feasible, andother means for maintaining the sanitary napkin 20 within the foldedarrangement may be utilized. Additionally, other asymmetric arrangementsmay be utilized and adjustments in the relative sizes of the sanitarynapkin 20 and releasable wrapper 34 may be made to accommodate thedesired package size. All such variations are within the scope of theclaimed invention.

In addition, while a preferred sanitary napkin embodiment of the presentinvention has been described, numerous other sanitary napkin embodimentscould be provided with the fastening system and wrapper of the presentinvention. Some such sanitary napkins are disclosed in U.S. Pat.application Ser. No. 07/707,233 entitled "Sanitary Napkin HavingLaterally Extensible Means for Attachment to the Undergarment of theWearer", filed May 21, 1991 in the name of Osborn, et al., U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,009,653 and 4,950,264, issued to Osborn on Apr. 23, 1991 and Aug.21, 1990, respectively, U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,697 entitled "SanitaryNapkin Having Flaps and Stress Relief Means" which issued to Osborn,III, et al. on Apr. 17, 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478, entitled "ShapedSanitary Napkin With Flaps", which issued to Van Tilburg on Aug. 18,1987, U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,876, entitled "Sanitary Napkin", which issuedto Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,343, entitled"Sanitary Napkin", which issued to McNair on Aug. 25, 1981.

The wipe 80 in any of the embodiments described above may be similarlypackaged with other types of pads, such as diapers, incontinentproducts, panty liners, as well as tampons, and other absorbentarticles.

Suitable absorbent articles in the form of pantiliners are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,738,676 entitled "Pantiliner", issued to Osborn on Apr.19, 1988. Suitable absorbent articles, at least some of which are in theform of adult incontinence products, are described in U.S. Pat.application Ser. Nos. 07/637,090 and 07/637,571 filed by John R. Noel,et al. and Barry R. Feist, et al. on Jan. 3, 1991.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show an example of an embodiment for packaging acleansing wipe 80 with a tampon 110. The tampon 110 can be in any knownform. For purposes of illustration, an example of a tampon is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,911 issued to Gellert on Oct. 4, 1984.

The wipe 80 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is wrapped around the tampon 110.The wrapped tampon is wrapped with a moisture and vapor imperviousoverwrap 112. The side 114 and ends (one of which is shown as) 116 ofthe overwrap 112 are sealed. The tampon package is provided with areleasable seal at the side 114, and/or at least one of the ends 116 foruse in opening the package.

The disclosures of all patents, patent applications (and any patentswhich issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreignpatent applications), and publications mentioned throughout this patentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference herein. It is expresslynot admitted, however, that any of the documents incorporated byreference herein teach or disclose the present invention. It is alsoexpressly not admitted that any of the commercially available materialsor products described herein teach or disclose the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An individually packaged sanitary napkincomprising:a sanitary napkin having a body-facing side, a garment-facingside, a length, a width, two longitudinal edges, and two end edges, saidsanitary napkin comprising:a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquidimpervious backsheet joined to said topsheet, said backsheet havingopposed inwardly and outwardly oriented faces; an adhesive fastener onsaid outwardly oriented face of said backsheet; an absorbent corepositioned between said topsheet and said backsheet; a releasablewrapper releasably affixed to the adhesive fastener on said outwardlyoriented face of said backsheet, said releasable wrapper having alongitudinal dimension, a transverse dimension, an inwardly orientedface, an outwardly oriented face, a pair of longitudinal side edges, apair of end edges, and a pair of ends, wherein only said releasablewrapper is folded about a longitudinal axis adjacent at least one ofsaid longitudinal edges of said sanitary napkin in a C-fold therebywrapping said at least one of said longitudinal edges, and wherein saidsanitary napkin and said releasable wrapper are folded about twotransverse axes which form said wrapper into first, second, and thirdtrisections, wherein said first trisection is folded over said secondtrisection to form a package body and said third trisection is foldedover said first trisection to form a package flap; a pouch disposed onone of said faces of said wrapper and positioned entirely within one ofsaid trisections said pouch comprising a first portion of said wrapperand a thin flexible material having sides that are joined to said firstportion of said wrapper with a seal, at least a portion of said sealbeing releasable; and a cleansing wipe positioned inside said pouch. 2.The individually packaged sanitary napkin of claim 1 wherein saidcleansing wipe is a liquid-containing wipe.
 3. The individually packagedsanitary napkin of claim 2 wherein said at least a portion of said sealwhich is releasable comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive seal.
 4. Theindividually packaged sanitary napkin of claim 3 wherein said at least aportion of said seal which is releasable defines an openable edge ofsaid pouch, said pressure-sensitive adhesive seal has a centerline, andsaid pressure-sensitive adhesive seal is configured so that portions ofsaid pressure-sensitive adhesive adjacent the centerline of said sealare closer to the openable edge of said pouch than are the remainingportions of said pressure-sensitive adhesive.
 5. The individuallypackaged sanitary napkin of claim 4 wherein said pressure-sensitiveadhesive seal has a convex configuration.
 6. The individually packagedsanitary napkin of claim 5 wherein the openable edge of said pouch has aconvex configuration.
 7. The individually packaged sanitary napkin ofclaim 6 wherein said pouch is provided with a tab along the openableedge of said pouch for use in opening said pouch and removing saidcleansing wipe.
 8. The individually packaged sanitary napkin of claim 1wherein said cleansing wipe is removable from said pouch and said pouchis usable for disposing of at least one of said sanitary napkin orcleansing wipe after use.
 9. The individually packaged sanitary napkinof claim 1 wherein said pouch is located in said first trisection on theoutwardly oriented face of said wrapper.
 10. The individually packagedsanitary napkin of claim 1 wherein said pouch is located in said secondtrisection on the outwardly oriented face of said wrapper.
 11. Theindividually packaged sanitary napkin of claim 1 wherein said pouch islocated in said third trisection on the outwardly oriented face of saidwrapper.
 12. The individually packaged sanitary napkin of claim 1further comprising a tape fastening system a portion of which isdisposed on said package body and a portion of which is disposed on saidpackage flap, for releasably securing said package flap to said body ina folded arrangement.
 13. The individually packaged sanitary napkin ofclaim 1 wherein said pouch is located in said third trisection on theinwardly oriented face of said wrapper.
 14. The individually packagedsanitary napkin of claim 1 wherein said thin flexible material comprisesa second portion of said releasable wrapper extending from said firstportion of said wrapper which is folded over said first portion of saidreleasable wrapper.